Present Perfect or Present Perfect Continuous

There is often very little difference between the
present perfect simple and the present perfect continuous. In many
cases, both are equally acceptable.

• I've lived here for 10 years and she has been living here for 12 years.
  
• They've been working here for a long time and Andy has worked here for even longer.
  

When we want to emphasize the action, we use the continuous form.

• I've been working really hard lately.
  
• She's been having a hard time.
  

When we want to emphasize the result of the action, we use the simple form.

• I've phoned 32 people today.
  
• She's written a 64 page report.
  

Look at these examples to see the contrast.

• I've been driving for 5 hours and I've driven 500 miles.
  
• She's been speaking on the phone for 20 minutes and she's not managed to convince him yet.
  
• We've been talking about this for month and we still haven't found a solution.
  

If an action is finished and you can see the results, use the continuous form.

• Your eyes are red. You've been crying.
  
• You're out of breath. Have you been running?
  

If you use the words 'ever' or 'never', use the simple form.

• I've never met her.
  
• Have you ever heard anything so strange in your life?